Vanessa McMahon

Udayyan Raathore is an actor, producer and director whose past works include 'Everybody Gets Screwed Here' (2015) and 'Dangal' (2016). Married to fellow producer Divya Baghela Rathore, they worked together on Udayyan's directorial debut 'Twosome' (2019), starring Preet Kunwar Choudhry and Rishabhraj Mehrota. The film is about two complete strangers who get stuck with each other for an entire night, after which their life tirns into a game which then becomes their life. The film held its market premiere at the 72 Cannes Film Festival. 

In an interview about his film at Cannes, here is what Udayyan had to say:

How did you begin directing and did you always know you want to direct? 

UDAYYAN: Having come from a production background and being a part of large entertainment companies in India, my exposure to large format projects led me to gain a firm understanding of the creative process that goes into it. Encouragement from my colleagues on my natural skill of translating a story into a dramatic form of moving images was the moving force to my taking to Direction.

Did you always want to make films internationally as well? 

UDAYYAN: My intent is to make films for international festivals to showcase Films/Narratives that speak and appeal to the global audience and resonates with the sensibilities of that audience.

Can you tell us what you love about the story of the film and why you knew you had to make it?

UDAYYAN: To me, cinema means something which is entertaining and that is what this story is all about. It has comedy, wit, inspiration and suspense topped with an underlying social message – a complete entertainment. I am intrinsically a witty person, so a witty story attracted me. That’s the reason I loved this story.

How did you cast the film?

UDAYYAN: I was too lazy to go through the process of auditioning hundreds of people and choosing one out of them therefore I cast two of my close actor friends and fortunately they turned out to be amazing. It was a wise decision, since I jell well with them it helped me to get the best out of them.

Were there any anecdotes while filming you would like to share?

UDAYYAN: Not exactly any anecdotes moment while filming but an interesting thing did happen. We completed the entire film in four days and the total crew on set was eight people including me and the actors. Further, it is my first film as a DOP and director, as well as the first film for the actors, writer and editor. It’s a debut in film for all of us and as the captain of the ship it was my responsibility to see the film sail through smoothly.

What is it like to be in Cannes for the unveiling of your film and when/when can audiences see the film? 

UDAYYAN: It's like a dream come true. What more can a filmmaker ask for then unveiling of his film at Cannes? The film will be traveling to other film festivals as well this year.

How have audiences received the film?

UDAYYAN: The audience at Cannes loved the film. I got an standing ovation at the end of the film. 

What are your hopes with the message the film will give to audiences? 

UDAYYAN: That the audience would love the film as it has a big social message attached to it. It's an inspirational story for youth showcased in a comic way.

What will you be working on next? 

UDAYYAN: I plan to make a film based on elderly people above the age of sixty. I have a story in mind which I intend to develop and, yes, it is again going to be a light comedy.

Interview with Vanessa McMahon